Tidewaters by Rich Bergeman

Explore the light, landscape and way of life that once flourished along the rivers of Oregon's Coast Range.

As the fishing and timber economies of this region slip away, Rich Bergeman's photographs document his search for beauty in the transience and patina of aging places.

"I've always loved photographing in places where the past is more palpable than the present," Bergeman says. "On these rivers, time's passage is plainly seen -- slowly decaying docks tilt into the tide, worn out fishing boats wait for one more run to sea and gnarled pilings that long ago outlived their purpose still climb out of the ebbing tide."

Bergeman's work is the result of years of exploration along the Oregon Coast Range and studies done at local history museums from Astoria to Coos Bay to better understand the complex and many-layered history of the region. As a collection, his photographs are a commentary on the passage of time and the enduring potential of place, which can be redefined and re-imagined with every rise and fall of the tide.

All of the photographs in the exhibit are platinum/palladium contact prints made from large negatives, a traditional printing medium that dates to the 19th century. Known for permanence and rich tonal scale, platinum prints are made by coating a fine art paper with a mixture of platinum, palladium and iron salts, and then exposing them to strong ultra-violet light for several minutes.

Artist Reception

Thursday, July 12, 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. Enjoy refreshments and meet Rich Bergeman, who will discuss his work, including his process and preference for traditional film cameras, as well as the recurring themes of endurance, continuity and light. The event is free and open to the public.